by Werner-Admin | Sep 27, 2024 | West Michigan Roofing Blog
Proper roof maintenance is important no matter the time of year. However, with fall fast approaching, it’s important to ensure that your roof is ready to handle the snowy winter months ahead.
Don’t know where to start? Check out the following roof maintenance tips that you can implement this fall.
5 Roof Maintenance Tips for the Fall Season
Maintaining your roof during the fall season is essential to protecting your home and preparing for the harsher weather. Taking proactive steps now will help extend the life of your roof and ensure it’s ready to handle the winter months.
1. Trim Surrounding Trees
No one wants to wake up to a hole in their roof with a big tree branch sticking through. Ensuring that there are no dead tree limbs, large branches, or trees leaning toward your house can prevent disaster later down the road.
The extra weight of the snow could cause dead or dying limbs or trees to fall onto the house, causing a costly repair. Removing overhanging branches from your home will also reduce leaf buildup and the chance of rot or excessive leaves in your gutter system.
2. Clean Gutters
Cleaning your gutters regularly during the fall is one of the most crucial tasks for maintaining your home’s exterior. As the leaves fall, your gutters can quickly become clogged with debris, leading to serious issues if not addressed in time.
Leaves and debris can cause water to back up, preventing proper drainage through your gutter system. This excess water can overflow and seep under your shingles when left unattended, causing roof damage.
Worse yet, if the temperatures drop and the water freezes, it can expand, leading to cracks or breaks in both your gutters and roof structure. Preventative cleaning can save you from costly repairs down the line!
3. Schedule a Roof Inspection
One of the smartest moves you can make this fall is to schedule a professional roof inspection. An experienced roofer can identify minor issues that need attention before they become costly problems.
During the inspection, they’ll assess the overall integrity of your roof, looking for signs of leaks, missing or loose shingles, and damaged gutters. Catching these small repairs early not only helps extend the life of your roof but also saves you from more expensive fixes in the future.
Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major headache—schedule your inspection with Werner Roofing today!
4. Check for Loose or Missing Shingles
Loose or missing shingles may seem insignificant, but they can lead to serious damage if left unchecked. Shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against the elements, and when they’re damaged or missing, your home becomes vulnerable to water leaks, mold growth, and even structural damage in your attic, walls, and ceilings.
Regularly checking for loose or missing shingles during the fall season helps you stay ahead of minor repairs and prevents more expensive damage down the line. After storms or high winds, it’s especially important to check for signs of damage. Look for visible gaps, shingles that appear curled or cracked, or areas where the roof looks uneven. These are all indicators that shingles may be loose or missing and need to be replaced.
If you notice something is wrong with your roof’s shingles, it’s best to call a professional roofer. They can safely inspect your roof and replace any damaged shingles. They’ll also ensure new shingles are properly installed, keeping your roof protected from further damage.
5. Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation is critical to maintaining the health of your roof and home, especially as temperatures drop in the fall. Proper ventilation allows air to circulate freely in your attic, which helps regulate temperature and moisture levels. Without it, warm air inside your home can become trapped, leading to condensation, mold growth, and even ice dams in the winter.
Poor attic ventilation can also reduce your roof’s lifespan. Excess heat and moisture can warp shingles, damage the roof decking, and lead to premature aging of the materials. Ensuring proper ventilation can prevent these issues and help your roof last longer.
To check your attic ventilation, look for blockages in your intake vents (usually located near the roof’s eaves) or exhaust vents (located along the ridge or in gable ends). If the vents are clogged with debris, it’s essential to clear them to ensure proper airflow. You can also have a professional assess your attic ventilation system to determine if it’s adequate for your home’s size and needs.
Get Your Roof Fall-Ready: Contact Werner Roofing for an Inspection Today
For peace of mind and professional expertise, call Werner Roofing today. Our experienced team is here to assist with all your roofing needs, from inspections and repairs to full roof replacements. Schedule your fall roof inspection now, and let us help you keep your home safe and secure throughout the season.
by Werner-Admin | Jul 10, 2024 | Roof Repair
After investing in a brand new roof, a homeowner’s worst nightmare is waking up to find you’ve sprung a leak. When you pay so much for such an essential part of your home, it’s natural to feel offended if your recently installed roof isn’t functioning as it should!
That said, it’s very rare to have a leak in a new roof, and the ones that do pop up are often easy to fix. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind if your new roof is leaking.
3 Do’s and Don’ts if Your New Roof Is Leaking
#1: Don’t Work Yourself Up.
Do: Calmly Assess The Situation
Before you call anyone, do your best to calm down and determine where the leak originated. You’ll want to gather as much information as you can about the leak, such as:
- When did the leak start?
- How hard was it raining?
- How much water has accumulated in your home?
- Has the leak stopped?
- Is the leak coming from a window or chimney area?
These are all questions you’ll need to answer when you call your roofer. The more calmly and confidently you can answer these questions, the better your outcome will be.
#2: Don’t Exaggerate Your Problem
Do: Present The Facts Clearly And Request A Realistic Timeline
If you’re honest about what’s gone wrong with your roof and present your roofer with calm, confident answers to “What went wrong?”, you’re more likely to get a better response.
Be firm with your timeline, but understand that a week is a realistic timeframe for scheduling an inspection and repair, especially in less urgent situations. When you choose Werner Roofing, it’s not unusual for us to be out there on the same day!
Again, most reputable roofers stand behind their work and want to guarantee their warranty. Most of them will do their best to come out and fix your leak as soon as possible.
#3 Don’t Panic If Your Roofer Has Ghosted
Do: Take Logical Steps To Address The Issue
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, the best approach is to stay calm and take the following steps:
- Be Realistic: Understand that it’s unlikely your entire roof is defective. Most issues are fixable without significant cost.
- Find a Trustworthy Roofer: Look for a local roofer with a solid reputation who can assess the situation. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, or look at reviews online.
- Assess the Damage: A reputable roofer will explain the problems clearly and offer reasonable solutions without suggesting a complete overhaul unless absolutely necessary.
Remember, most reputable roofers will not use scare tactics to get more money from you. They will provide practical and cost-effective solutions to address any issues with your roof.
Don’t Settle for Unreliable Roofers – Trust Werner Roofing
Most often, leaks in a new roof are due to tricky flashing around chimneys and windows. These issues can be fixed, but you need to find a roofer you trust to do the repairs. A reputable roofer who stands behind their work won’t hesitate to come out and make those repairs. At Werner Roofing, we offer free repairs!
If your roof is having issues and you’re having trouble finding someone who can help, do call Werner Roofing for quality roof repair you can trust. With more than 30 years of experience as a roofing contractor, owner Kris Werner takes pride in the company’s “no-pressure” approach when working with homeowners, whether it be fixing leaks, repairing gutters, or installing siding.
“We have the attitude. People trust us,” Werner says. “Our guys work hard.”
As a local West Michigan roofer with decades in the business, we’re here to help you. Call our office at 616-844-5382, or visit us online for your free roofing estimate today.
by Werner-Admin | May 20, 2024 | Roof Maintenance
An annual roof inspection is one of those things that always makes it onto the to-do list but doesn’t always actually happen.
But here’s the thing – your roof is one of the most important and vulnerable parts of your home. It’s what takes the brunt force of the worst weather and keeps your family safe and warm.
So, if you’ve heard about annual inspections but haven’t committed to calling anyone up yet, here are seven ways annual roof inspections will make your life much easier.
7 Reasons Why You Should Get Annual Roof Inspections
1. Hello, Clean Gutters
While gutter cleanings aren’t always part of a routine roof inspection, if you’re going to have your roofer come out, you might as well have them clean the gutters for you! It will hardly take any time for a professional, and the small amount you’ll pay is nothing compared to how much you’ll dread doing it yourself. Clean gutters mean a healthy house, and if you’re not the one who has to clean the gutters, life is good.
2. You Can Save Money in the Long Run
An annual roof inspection can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. By having a professional roofer up there checking for any problem areas, you can avoid costly, major repairs. The more often your roofer inspects your roof, the more likely they are to catch minor issues before they turn into big ones. A missing or curled shingle now is hardly a significant expense, but if left unfixed, you could be looking at repair costs in the thousands down the road.
3. Your Family Will Stay Healthy
A faulty or leaking roof can breed some bad, unhealthy problems – the worst is mold. Mold spores can get into your lungs and the lungs of your family members, visitors, and pets. An annual roof inspection will show if mold is forming and can help you get a handle on it before it spreads and becomes a health and air quality issue for your family.
4. Major Damage Can Be Prevented
One of the biggest problems associated with a faulty roof is water damage. Unfortunately, water damage can be very expensive to repair when not caught early enough. Without an annual roof inspection, you’re unlikely to notice water damage until it begins physically leaking through the roof.
This is bad because, at that point, the water damage will already be extensive within your attic and the subroofing that holds your shingles in place. That means significant repairs at a major cost to you, not to mention the erosion and damage that water can cause to the exterior of your home as well. Annual roof inspections can identify small leaks just as they form, which means you have the opportunity to fix them before they get worse.
5. The Roof’s Lifespan Increases
If you’ve read the above reasons to get an annual roof inspection, it will come as no surprise when we say that regular inspections can extend the life of your roofs. That’s because you’re nipping minor problems in the bud before they get larger and more costly to repair. The fewer large-scale repairs you have to do, the longer your roof will last. That’s some major savings, considering that re-roofing can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000.
6. Insurance Claims Are Easier
Annual roof inspections also make filing claims with your insurance provider much easier. When you show that you’ve performed all necessary regular maintenance, and through no fault of your own, a tree fell through your roof, they’re more likely to give you the claim money you need to make repairs. Plus, all the reports from your roofer over the years will show them that you’ve worked to maintain your roof, which will help them determine what damages they should cover and which, if any, were pre-existing.
7. Peace of Mind
Finally, annual roof inspections can provide peace of mind. When you know that your roof is in good shape and you’ve done everything possible to preserve it, you can rest easy knowing your family is kept safe. That peace of mind alone can go a long way in making your daily life much easier.
Schedule Your Annual Inspection With Werner Roofing Today!
If you haven’t already scheduled regular roof inspections but would like to start, get in touch with Werner Roofing. A trusted, local West Michigan roofer, we’re here to help you ensure your home and roof are safe and sound for years to come. To schedule your annual inspection, call our office at 616-844-5382 or contact us online today!
by Werner-Admin | Jun 2, 2021 | West Michigan Roofing Blog
In the world of roofing, GAF products are favored by roofing companies and homeowners alike, not only because of their high quality performance, but also the fact that they’re backed by the most comprehensive warranties in the roofing industry. What could possibly be better? A whole system of GAF roofing materials, that’s what!
The GAF Roofing System is a combination of GAF products that work together to keep your home safe and protect it from the elements. Here’s a closer look at all the components you get when you go with the lifetime roofing system from GAF:
GAF Roofing System Components
Leak Barrier
The worst enemy of any roof is a leak! Luckily, the GAF Leak Barrier provides an extra layer of protection between the roof deck and shingles to help prevent leaks caused by wind-driven rain and ice dams.
Roof Deck Protection
This specialized underlayment provides added protection against moisture trying its best to infiltrate your roof deck and cause damage to your roof and home. Not today, moisture!
Starter Strip Shingles
Besides protection from rain and stormy weather, your roof needs protection from the wind to avoid shingle blow-off. With their crazy-strong adhesive, GAF starter strips ensure shingles stay securely and properly in place.
Lifetime Shingles
Available in a variety of colors and styles to fit the needs of any home, these GAF high quality shingles maximize the performance and lifespan of your roof — no wonder they’re North America’s number one choice!
Cobra Attic Ventilation
A top-notch ventilation system like this one prevents moisture from building up in your attic and regulates heat, making for a more energy- and cost-efficient roof. You protect your house and the cash in your pocket!
Ridge Cap Shingles
These special shingles offer the finishing touches on your roof, adding beauty and dimension along with even more protection against leaks across especially vulnerable ridges.
Industry-Leading Warranties
When you choose the GAF roofing system, you use enough GAF products to automatically qualify for the GAF exclusive Lifetime Limited Warranty, offering non-prorated coverage for a minimum of 10 years. Upgrade to a System Plus, Silver Pledge, or Golden Pledge warranty, and you’ll get services from a certified GAF roofing company too!
Talk about a bundle of joy! The complete GAF roofing system with its combination of high quality GAF products gives you more than unbeatable protection, it gives you peace of mind. In short: GAF is great.
Where Can You Find the GAF Roofing System?
There’s good reason why homeowners and roofers love GAF products: they’re reliable, high quality, and provide the best warranties on the market, which is exactly why you should give Werner Roofing a call!
We’re proud to offer our customers the GAF Roofing System along with the highest level GAF warranty, the Golden Pledge. Our roofers are Master Elite certified installers of GAF products, and can ensure you get the best GAF has to offer for your home. Want to learn more? Contact us online or by dialing 616-844-5382 today!
OUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION
How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? The only way to be sure of your residential roof’s current condition is to have a licensed professional personally inspect it. Werner Roofing is proud to offer free roof inspections for every client, so you can be sure of your roof’s condition. Every Werner Roofing inspection comes complete with our promise: “We won’t recommend or sell a roof replacement unless it’s necessary.”
by Werner-Admin | Feb 18, 2021 | Roof Maintenance
How to Get on Your Roof Safely
Hey, we get it. We understand there are some times when you might need to get up on your roof. Maybe it’s to remove some branches or clean your gutters. Perhaps you wish to make some minor repairs, take down your Christmas lights before the Fourth of July, or heck, even retrieve a kite or rescue your cat. We know stuff pops up that doesn’t necessarily seem like it requires a pro, but this isn’t your average “take out the garbage” chore. This can be dangerous. That’s why we created these guidelines to ensure you know how to get on your roof safely, not to mention get back down!
Don’t Go it Alone
It’s always wise to have someone spot and assist you if you’re getting on a roof. Ask (or bribe!) a friend or family member to help out by holding the ladder and hoisting up any tools you happen to forget. That way, you won’t have to go up and down the ladder to retrieve what you need. It’s also smart for the simple reason that someone else is there who can get help in case of an emergency.
Wait for the Right Weather
Never just decide to venture up without checking the forecast first. Make sure the weather is appropriate — not windy or wet! You don’t want to take the chance of being knocked off your feet or slipping and falling, so if it’s not a dry and calm day, check something else off your to-do list instead.
Dress for Success
When you’re getting on your roof, it’s super important to wear the right shoes, with rubber soles and good traction. No bare feet or flip-flops allowed! A good tool belt is key as it will save you from trying to carry tools while navigating the ladder, and leather gloves can help you keep a good grip on things.
This may seem over the top, but it’s also a good idea to equip yourself with a safety harness, especially if your roof is high or steep. Even if you’re only up there for a short time, it can save you from serious consequences if you happen to slip or trip on something. Temporary toeholds are also a good investment. They can help you keep your steps steady and can be removed when the job is done. You can typically find these things at your neighborhood hardware store.
Climb Carefully
Perhaps one of the most important tips of all is to make sure you have a good, sturdy ladder and are using it safely and correctly.
- Place your ladder on level, dry, and firm ground, or set a board beneath it. The ladder should extend several feet above the roof.
- A good rule of thumb is for every 4 feet of ladder, you should move the base 1 foot from the house.
- Avoid leaning the ladder against gutters so it doesn’t slide at the top or cause any damage, and pick a place away from powerlines.
- Next, have your partner hold the ladder for extra stability.
- Always face the ladder and when you start to climb, be sure to keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times — both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand.
- When you reach the roof, hold onto the top of the ladder with both hands and step around, not over it.
Step Safely
Congratulations, you’re on the roof! Now, be sure to move slowly and carefully, check that each step you take is stable before proceeding. Before you move forward, make sure the path before you is clean and hazard-free. Take your time and of course, don’t get too close to the edge.
Repeat in Reverse
Whether it’s right away because you’ve decided this wasn’t the best idea you’ve ever had, or if it’s after you’ve accomplished what you set out to do, when the time comes to head back down, let your partner know to spot you. Next, descend the same way you went up — holding the top of the ladder with both hands, stepping around and then down, facing the ladder, and maintaining three points of contact until you’re safely on the ground. Then, hope you didn’t forget anything up there and go get your partner the cold one you promised!
Rather Not Get On Your Roof At All?
If you don’t feel that climbing up on your roof safely is something you can physically do, or the thought of being up so high and walking on a sloping surface gives you the heebie-jeebies, not to worry. We’ve got your back! For repairs, inspection, maintenance, and replacement, just give us a call at 616-844-5382 or connect with us online today.
